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Cornell University's Hod Lipson is trying to duplicate the evolution of biological life in mechanical form, with tiny algorithm-equipped robots that can learn and even replicate themselves. Lipson is driven by curiosity but notes the risk. "As much as we are control freaks when it comes to engineering, where this is going toward is loss of control. The more we automate, the more we don’t know what’s going to come out of it," he says.

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Boeing engineers and University of Washington professors will be teaming with the goal of automating aircraft manufacture in a new research center in the school's department of mechanical engineering. One early project is developing remotely controlled robots to crawl inside wing interiors to place nuts on bolts, seal seams and inspect for debris.

More companies are investing in the quickly-evolving technology for 3D food printing, which is driving the cost of printers down and giving rise to the development of products such as Natural Machines' Foodini, a 3D food printer for the home. 3D printing offers "extensive nutritional control" over ingredients and the ability to make about 2,000 foods, according to Hod Lipson, an associate professor at Cornell University.

3D printing technology is sweeping through manufacturing with profound effect, according to this ASME webinar. In the webinar, Hod Lipson, a professor of engineering at Cornell University, and Bill Buel, director of mechanical engineering at MakerBot Industries, assess the current 3D landscape as it affects engineers and take a look at what the future may hold.

HP is catching the 3D printing wave with plans to launch its own product by the middle of next year. However, the technology, no matter how sophisticated, is unlikely to replace conventional manufacturing anytime soon, although it will have its place, experts say. "Many industries are starting to understand that 'Will this replace mass production' is not the right question; 'What new business models are enabled by this technology' is the right question," Cornell engineering professor Hod Lipson said.

Railroad-crossing technology is being developed in Australia that uses GPS and Dedicated Short Range Communications wireless technology to provide links between trains and approaching cars to avoid collisions. A team from La Trobe University in Melbourne is working on the system, which would also judge when a collision is likely.